Thomas Alwyn HUGHES [1899-????]

Mr. Thomas Alwyn Hughes, a British subject by birth, born in Glamorganshire, Wales on 6th November 1899 was a member of the Hong Kong Police when interned at Stanley during WWII. He was repatriated back to UK on board H.M.S. Smiter on 22nd September 1945. I have in my procession a copy of his Passport and copies of some personal letters to his family written whilst at Stanley and also on board H.M.S. Smiter. I would like to pass these papers to Mr. Hughes' family members.

Hi there

I was doing some research on my Great Great Uncle (Thomas) Alwyn Hughes from from a Royal Irish Constabulary card dated 18th November 1920 where he served in the Black and Tans. I would love to hear more from you of the documents you have of my Family.

My Father is still alive in his 70's and my Great Uncle Melvin Hughes is also still alive in Plymouth. My self and my father live in South Wlaes Mid Glamorgan and Alwyn would have lived in Pontypridd.

Tony

Born 6.11.1899     Enlisted in HKP 18.10.1923  ( Consistant with demise of the RIC)

First home leave arriving London per Kashgar 16.6.1928.Promoted Sub Inspector 2.9.1938    Awarded Colonial PoliceLong Service Medal 18.10.1941 in rank of Inspector.    Repat ex HK Sept 1945 on HMS Smiter, a U.S Built Carrier used by RN,to Ceylon,transferred to Highland Monarch and landed Southampton 9.11.1945.

Thank you for the reply 

Born 6.11.1899     Enlisted in HKP 18.10.1923  ( Consistant with demise of the RIC)

First home leave arriving London per Kashgar 16.6.1928.Promoted Sub Inspector 2.9.1938    Awarded Colonial PoliceLong Service Medal 18.10.1941 in rank of Inspector.    Repat ex HK Sept 1945 on HMS Smiter, a U.S Built Carrier used by RN,to Ceylon,transferred to Highland Monarch and landed Southampton 9.11.1945.

 

How do i go about getting my relatives letters and documents to myself so i can get them to y Great Uncle.

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I have a picture of Thomas Alwyn Hughes from WW1 with his brothers and my Great Great Grandfather.

 

How can i upload them on hear please.

Regret I cannot help on the tech. side but here are a few more snippets : - Pontyprid Observer of 23.1.1924 reports his having left the area for employment in the Hong Kong Police. Returned to the UK on his first leave ( 5 year tour) arriving London on 16.6.1928 per ss Kashgar, whilst on leave in Pontyprid he was a witness in a traffic offence case. Occupation given as Police Sergeant. Post war he did not continue his service and on 25th October 1947 was described in the PPd Observer as a " fancy goods dealer" in a report covering a case of handling stolen goods,again as a witness.

I just managed to upload a family photo of the three brothers. Alwyn being on the right and my great great grandfather Bill on the left.

Hi Sam

 

How can i get the letters and papers sent to  me please.

Hi Tony

Really happy to be in touch with Mr Hughes' relatives at last. 

I have in possession some photo-copies of Mr Hughes' documents including his passport (with extension made during the internment) and copies of some personal letters/cables to his family in the UK. I was a retired Correctional official and these papers came to my possession when I was researching the history of the Hong Kong Prisons.

Will try to scan these papers for you within a few days. 

Best

Samson Chan

Thomas Alwyn,on rear right as viewed appears in the uniform of a British Army Infantryman,On his right breast he is wearing the badge of the Territorial Force,implemented after 1919 to members of the Territorial Force who had volunteered to serve outside the U.K. if called upon.This was discontinued after 1921.His cap badge appears to be that of the Welsh Regiment.I think I can discern a poppy above his right tunic pocket,The wearing of the poppy was only introduced in November 1921..Alwyn served in the Royal Irish Constabulary as Constable 75654 being recorded as a British enlisted man from Glamorgan and was discharged on thre 2nd February 1922 from the Wickford Division with a pension of GBP234.00 and a cash bonus of GBP50.00.He left Wales via Southampton for Hong Kong on the 20.10.1923 per " City of Paris ".Address in Pontyprid given as 10 Niagara Street.

Samson

I can't thank you enough for the correspondences you are sending me. I was a police officer myself and my father served in the RWF posted to Singapore Malayan Conflict. I'm proof of my family history and would love to peice it alL together to pass on the my children.  

Tony

As these are personal papers, I would like to send them directly to your personal email rather than through the webpage. You may email your contact to me at samson35@hku.hk

Samson

 

"PRESENTATION TO INSPECTOR T. ALWYN HUGHES.

A very pleasant evening was spent at the Rickards Hotel, Treforest, on Monday, October 24th. when the Brothers of the Pride of Treforest Lodge R.A.O.B. and other friends met to wish God-speed to Inspector Alwyn Hughes on the occasion of his forthcoming departure for a further term of service in the Hong Kong Police Force. Some fifty guests sat down to a splendid repast provided by the hostess, Mrs. Zenas Thomas, and then enjoyed a musical evening ably presided over by Mr. J.H. Palmer.

The presentation, consisting of a suitably inscribed gold signet ring, was made by Mr. Ivor Edwards, who expresssed his pleasure at seeing such a good gathering to pay tribute to a brother and gentleman, and the gift was a little mark of appreciation of services rendered. He wished the recipient God-speed and a safe return.

Inspector Hughes, in replying, said the wearing of the gift would always remind him of the friends he left in Treforest, especially in the Pride of Treforest Lodge.

Mr. F. White proposed a hearty vote of thanks to the Host and Hostess and also the artistes who contributed to the making of a pleasant evening, and this was carried with acclamation.

The artistes contributing to the programme were: Messrs. H. White, David Jones, G. Hopkins, E, White, C. Jenkins, R. Donovan, G. Thomas and the Bros. Pesticcio, of Cardiff, while the pianist for the whole of the evening was Mr. E. Gilson, who did much to make the function a success."

Source: Pontypridd Observer, page 5, 29th October 1938